Queen Victoria Market Renewal to Include Greenhouse

The City of Melbourne's $5.6 million pavilion at Queen Victoria Market is set to include a new greenhouse to boost the market's economic activity.

​Deputy Lord Mayor and Chair of the Finance and Governance Portfolio Arron Wood said expressions of interest are currently being sought to pilot innovative concepts for the 900 square metre glass rooftop space in the heart of the market precinct.

"More than 10 million people visit Queen Victoria Market every year, so this is an unprecedented opportunity for specialists in fresh food production, education, hospitality, sustainability and technology to fit out and operate a coveted space," the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

"From gardens filled with heirloom fruit, vegetables and Indigenous plants to a microbrewery, bakery and cooking displays, the sky's the limit for what could be achieved in this exciting new rooftop area."

Queen Victoria Market pavillionIt will give traders improved access to refrigeration, water, power and storage with a focus on sustainability.

Woods said it will be an opportunity to work with traders to develop and trial new trading formats and visual merchandising options.

[Related reading: How Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Redevelopment Will Revitalise The City]Last month, the City of Melbourne unveiled plans for a smaller but deeper footprint for the below ground operational area A to D Sheds. This means the new market pavilion can be reduced to 120 metres, less than half the original proposed size, with the second stage to be built if required.

"With Queen Victoria Market turning 140 years old next year, there is no better time to begin the renewal of Melbourne's market so it remains a part of our city for generations to come."The 120 metre glasshouse structure, designed by Breathe Architecture, will be suspended on columns nine metres in the air with an open air trading floor at ground level.

Construction on the modular structure is expected to begin next month, with traders to relocate to the pavilion in March 2018 and the greenhouse to begin operating in mid-2018.

The Urban Developer is Australia’s largest, most engaged and fastest growing community of property developers and urban development professionals. Connect your business with business and reach out to our partnerships team today.